“(Pearl’s) confrontational nature would have been a detriment to negotiations. He is not comfortable asking questions; he just wants to plow ahead.” Korkosz said.

Korkosz said that according to the district’s attorney, Pearl does not have the right to attend the meeting as a School Board member unless approved to do so by the board.

“We already voted against the creation of a negotiation committee. I have absolute faith in Superintendent (Charles) Littlefield and the attorneys we have hired to handle the negotiations,” Korkosz said.

Pearl said his desire to attend the negotiations has nothing to do with a lack of faith in Littlefield or the district’s attorneys.

“I absolutely feel the board is abdicating its responsibility. I think it is our responsibility to be there to offer points of view and ask questions … . I don’t think it would hurt. I don’t see the problem with doing this,” Pearl said.

While saying he was disappointed in the attorney’s opinion, Pearl said he would abide by it.